India leads global AI uptake as new research warns of deep digital wellbeing gaps

Recent research from Cisco and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reveals that India is rapidly becoming a leader in the adoption of generative AI technologies. This study highlights a significant surge in interest and usage of AI in emerging economies, but it also points to alarming gaps in access, trust, and the overall impact of these technologies on mental wellbeing. The research surveyed fourteen countries and found that India, alongside Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa, leads the world in generative AI utilization, with younger populations driving this trend. Notably, individuals under 35 demonstrated the highest levels of trust in AI, frequent usage, and significant engagement in AI skill development. According to specific data from India, nearly two-thirds of respondents actively engage with generative AI, and an impressive 84 percent express some level of trust in the technology. However, the rapid increase in AI adoption coincides with higher rates of recreational screen time and emotional fluctuations related to digital usage. The report indicates that those who spend over five hours daily on screens tend to report lower life satisfaction and wellbeing. Guy Diedrich, Cisco's Senior Vice President and Global Innovation Officer, emphasized the need for responsible AI development, stating, "Empowering emerging economies with AI skills is not just about technology; it’s about unlocking the potential of every individual to shape their future. We must ensure that these tools promote transparency, fairness, and privacy. AI's greatest potential lies in enhancing wellbeing by streamlining tasks and fostering collaboration." The generational gap in AI engagement is striking. Over half of the respondents under 35 utilize AI, with many indicating that most of their social interactions occur online. Conversely, individuals over 45 show significantly lower levels of engagement, with many over 55 expressing uncertainty about their trust in AI, likely due to unfamiliarity. Diedrich noted that addressing these generational divides is crucial, stating, "While younger generations may eagerly adopt new technologies, all age groups contribute unique experiences and insights that are invaluable." He also mentioned Cisco's efforts in training 26,000 employees in AI and its role in the AI Workforce Consortium to prepare global workforces. The research calls for action from governments, businesses, and civil society to enhance digital literacy, bridge skill gaps, and integrate wellbeing into digital system designs. The ultimate aim is to ensure that the advantages of AI are accessible to all demographics and regions, preventing existing inequalities from widening. The findings are based on responses from 14,611 participants across 14 countries, including 1,500 from India, and were collected following OECD best practice standards for reliability and comparability.